M109A5
155mm self-propelled howitzerFielded 1993Pending verification
Land ForcesUSA
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type155mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction1993
ProliferationAt least 15 countries
Manufacturerdeveloped by the ground system division of United Defense LP (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments) and manufactured at the Paladin Production Operation centre at Chambersburg, PennsylvaniaMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Automotive performance
ChassisThe M108 and M109 shared a common chassis (along with the M113 APC), but the M109 was heavier and had a larger gunMed[1]
Suspensiontorsion bar, 7 road wheels, front drive, rear idler, no return rollers (all models except PIM). The suspension system has been strengthened and an external NATO power receptacle allows the M109A5 to be electrically powered by the M992 fieldMed[1]
Protection
Turret ArmorThe turret takes up the rear. On top of the turret, there is a small cupola, from which the commander operates. This cupola is also fitted with a 12.7 mm (.50) M2HB heavy machine gun.Med[1]
Armament
Main armamentM284 39 cal/155mm Rifled Howitzer fitted with Muzzle Brake and Fume Extractor, 155mmMed[1]
Fire control
Computerized FCSFire-control equipment includes an elbow telescope M118C for direct fire with a magnification of 4x and 10-degree field of view; panoramic telescope M117 for indirect fire and gunner's quadrant M1A1.Med[1]
Fire control systemIt has an all weather ballistic shield mounted over the panoramic telescope; counterbalanced travel lock and provisions for mounting the M140 alignment device.Med[1]
Variants
M109First produced in 1963. It had a 23 caliber 155 mm M126 gun in an M127 Howitzer Mount, and carried 28 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. It was also armed with a .50cal M2HB machine gun with 500 rounds of ammunition. Easily id[1]
M109A1Replaced the M126 gun with a longer barreled, 39 caliber M185 gun, increasing maximum range to 18,100 meters.[1]
M109A2Incorporated 27 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) mid-life improvements. Most notably, the long barreled 155 mm M185 cannon in the new M178 gun mount, ballistic protection for the panoramic telescope, [1]
M109A3 and M109A3BM109A1s and M109A1Bs rebuilt to M109A2 standard respectively. Some A3s feature three contact arm assemblies, while all A2s have five.[1]
M109A4M109A2s and M109A3s improved with Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical / Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (NBC/RAM) improvements, including air purifiers, heaters, and Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP[1]
M109A5Replaces the 155 mm M185 cannon in an M178 mount with a 39-caliber 155 mm M284 cannon in an M182 mount, giving the A5 a maximum range of 22,000 meters with unassisted projectiles and 30,000 meters with Rocket Assisted Pr[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
DPICM155mm ammunition
Med[1]- Range
- 22 km14 mi · 12 nmi
- Quantity
- 34 Rounds Total of any Combination Projectiles
HE155 mm ammunition
Med[1]- Range
- 17.7 km11 mi · 10 nmi
- Quantity
- 34 Rounds Total of any Combination Projectiles
RAAMS Long155 mm ammunition
Med[1]- Range
- 17.7 km11 mi · 10 nmi
- Quantity
- 34 Rounds Total of any Combination Projectiles
The M109A5 is a modified M109A4 it consists of two major improvements: a new M284 cannon and a new M182 gun mount. These improvements provide the M109A5 with a greater range and allow for sustained fire for prolonged periods of time.
Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
- M109A5 American 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
- 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
- 2026-10-10 Added photo (Public domain)